The promises of free energy, green energy, terrific money savings, reduced carbon footprint, and energy security have finally won you over, and you’ve decided to jump to the other side – the solar side – where the grass really is greener. And, you’re facing a lot of questions, decisions, and planning. Let’s make one of those decisions easier for you – choosing the right solar panel brand.
Your choice of solar panel will have a lasting impact on your experience with solar. It can make you happy, or it can cause buyer’s remorse – there are some less quality solar panels out there. So, here are the top solar panel brands you should be aware of.
Panasonic
Hands down, one of the best solar manufacturers in the world, Panasonic has an enviable reputation for high-quality products, customer-friendly support, and product performance. Their solar panels have one of the lowest degradation rates in the industry, while simultaneously boasting some of the best power generation efficiency rates through their premium Evervolt Line, ranging from 19.1% to 21.2%. The manufacturer backs their products with warranty coverage of up to 25 years. That’s right there at the top.
As a Panasonic Elite Dealer, Green Power Energy offers priority services to all Panasonic solar panel buyers, which means that customers get access to exclusive benefits that aren’t available elsewhere.
Q Cells
Another formidable brand in the industry, Q Cells, has set up local manufacturing in the country to exercise greater control over the quality, performance, and supply chain for its solar panels. Q Cells also offers up to 25-year warranties on its solar panels, which are renowned for high performance and durability. With a power generation efficiency between 17.1% and 20.6%, Q Cells solar panels make for attractive and affordable options.
Silfab
Silfab is a powerhouse of North American solar module manufacturing. With over 40 years of industry experience, today Silfab offers some of the sleekest looking solar panels on the market. With operations in Canada and Washington State, Silfab’s quality control allows for the panels to feature a Tier-1 rating with a 25-year product warranty.
Green Power Energy is now offering the Silfab 370W all-black solar panel. It offers the highest efficiency rating for a solar panel manufactured in North America at a whopping 21.4% efficiency.
REC
Another long term leader in the solar industry, REC was founded in Norway in 1996. Since that time, their solar panels have been installed worldwide with 38 million solar panels manufactured and 16 million people living in homes powered by REC solar panels. Today, Green Power Energy offers the REC 405w “Alpha Pure” all-black solar panel which is the highest wattage panel ever offered by Green Power Energy. Be sure to ask about the Alpha Pure and its 21.9% efficiency!
JinkoSolar
JinkoSolar is one of the largest solar panel manufacturers in the world. Their solar panels have an efficiency ranging from 18.67% to 21.33%, which is top of the line in the industry. They complement their high-efficiency rating with warranties of up to 25 years on their products, which translates to high performance and a worry-free experience for customers. Despite all these benefits, JinkoSolar panels are priced quite competitively in the market.
Solaria
America’s own home-grown solar company, Solaria, manufactures solar panels in only two locations, viz. the US and South Korea. With a strong focus on delivering maximum value for money, Solaria has priced its solar panels competitively. They also offer industry-leading benefits, like 19.4% to 20.5% efficiency, incredible 25-year warranties, and swift customer support.
An interesting fact about Solaria is that it’s partly owned by Q Cells.
And the Winner Is…
There is no one brand that trumps all others in every aspect. The right fit for you will depend on your unique needs like power consumption, budget, financial goals, the importance of after-sales service, and so on. In any case, you cannot go wrong if you randomly pick one of the brands mentioned above.